Dragon's Fire

When Thread threatens to return to Pern's skies, the mining camps face mounting challenges that go beyond the deadly silver menace. Pellar, a mute but skilled tracker accompanied by his fire-lizard Chitter, travels with Masterharper Zist to investigate mysterious thefts plaguing the coal operations. Meanwhile, the Shunned - outcasts condemned to wander without shelter or sustenance - struggle to survive on society's margins. Among them, young Halla fights to protect those even more vulnerable than herself, while the ruthless Tenim schemes to profit from stolen firestone, the precious mineral that allows dragons to flame Thread.

Dick Hill's masterful narration elevates this complex tale of survival and moral choices across Pern's divided society. His distinctive character voices breathe life into the voiceless Pellar's internal struggles and capture the desperation of the Shunned with remarkable subtlety. Hill's pacing allows listeners to fully absorb the intricate world-building and political tensions that define this era of Pern's history. The audio format particularly enhances the story's atmospheric tension, as Hill's delivery transforms the harsh realities of mining camps and outcast settlements into vivid soundscapes that immerse listeners in both the nobility and corruption of this pivotal period.